A Dozen Ways to Love Your Neighbor: Autumn Edition

 

“One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked Him, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus replied, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.’” –Mark 12:28-31

A DOZEN WAYS TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR: AUTUMN EDITION

Below are some simple suggestions. I’m sure you’ve done many of them already and could add your own ideas based on your particular circumstances. If you’re looking for organizations that need volunteers, a good place to start might be to google ‘volunteer opportunities near me.’ Even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference for someone else!

As you switch out the seasonal clothes in your closet, pick out a few nice items you haven’t worn in a while and donate them to a local charity.

If you ever have unopened food in your fridge or pantry that you know you won’t use by the ‘use by’ date, offer it to your neighbors or a soup kitchen.

When buying school supplies for your child, purchase something extra and take it to the school office for any child who may need it, or purchase a gift card for your child’s teacher.

Rake the leaves for an elderly neighbor.

Surprise a friend you haven’t seen in a long time with a phone call, text, or email, or mail them a Thanksgiving greeting card.

Obey speed limits in school zones; stop for school busses when their lights are flashing.

Send your child’s teacher a note of appreciation mid-semester; include a gift card to a local small business or a homemade treat.

Offer to volunteer at your child’s school.

If you like to knit or crochet, you may want to make hats for newborns or scarves for veterans. Contact your local hospital or the VA to find out what they can use.

Purchase a gift card to a local small-business bakery and take it to the fire station.

Donate hats, gloves, or socks to a school or shelter; include a bag of Halloween candy.

If you know of a college student who can’t travel home for Thanksgiving, or anyone else who will be alone on the holiday, invite them to join you for dinner.

 “Lord, help me look for ways to love my neighbor.”

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Reasons to Hope

 

There’s more to love about autumn than the glowing Harvest Moon and maple leaves painting the landscape with reds and yellows. Autumn’s charm lies in its unique aura, a combination of contentment with the present, optimism for the future, and nostalgia for the past. We say goodbye to another short summer; we enjoy just-picked tomatoes and sweet corn; and we plant bulbs for next spring, and remember the ‘new beginning’ feeling with another school year starting. This looking-back-and-looking-ahead may stir in us some wonder about what’s in store for us as we near the end of another calendar year. The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that our future is in God’s hands:

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future filled with hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11

Maybe you’re an educator or a student and you’ve embarked on a new school year. God has plans for you to flourish. Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves!

Maybe you’re looking for work or have recently changed jobs. God has plans for you to succeed with the particular talents He’s given you.

Maybe you’re dealing with health challenges, relationship difficulties, or some other burden. God has plans for you: These challenges may lead you to greater strength, insight, or holiness. Ask Him to wrap His peace around you and help you carry this cross.

Maybe nothing significant has changed for you recently and you’re left wondering if there’s anything good coming out of this monotony. God has plans for you, too. He’s your constant companion in your routine; your good work today will reap rewards later.

The Lord wants us to trust Him and His plans. Imagine Him saying to you, ‘You will thrive and prosper, and live in peace, if you strive to follow Me. You will work and you will speak, and some people will appreciate you and listen to you, and others will not. This is how it was with the prophets and with Me, so why should it be any different with you? Continue in your work. Do not lose heart. Do not get discouraged by any of your challenges. Do not abandon your work or give up just because you don’t see results. I am working in hearts; I am working where you cannot see. If you give up, then you give up on Me and I won’t be able to accomplish what I mean to accomplish through you. Persistence and cheerfulness will pay off.’

Our God, Who ordered the seasons of nature, has great plans for you! YOU are precious to Him!

 “Lord, I trust that my life has purpose. Because of You, I will look ahead with hope.”

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